International Baccalaureate
Connecting with Your Child’s Inquiry
As we begin Term 4, we encourage families to take an active interest in their child’s current unit of inquiry. In the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), learning grows through questions, conversations and connections. Families play a valuable role by helping children connect their classroom discoveries with everyday life.
Start by inviting your child to explain their inquiry in their own words. You might ask, “What are you investigating at school?” or “What question are you most curious about?” Giving children time to talk—and listening closely to their ideas—helps them reflect on their learning and develop confidence as communicators.
You do not need to know all the answers. Wondering together shows children that learning is an ongoing process. Try asking, “What makes you think that?”, “How could we find out?” or “Has your thinking changed?” These questions encourage children to explain their reasoning, consider possibilities and recognise new understandings.
There are many simple ways to engage with your child’s inquiry:
Notice connections: During a walk, shopping trip or family outing, ask, “Does this connect to something you are learning?”
Share your experiences: Talk about how the inquiry relates to your work, family traditions, culture or childhood. Your perspective may offer a new way of thinking.
Explore together: Read a related book, visit a local place or investigate something your child is wondering about. Let their questions guide the exploration.
Invite them to teach you: Ask your child to explain a discovery, demonstrate a skill or share a piece of learning they are proud of.
Discuss possible action: Ask, “How could we use what you have learnt to help someone, solve a problem or make a thoughtful choice?”
These conversations do not need to be long or formal. A few curious questions over dinner or on the way home can help children see that their learning matters. By showing interest, valuing their ideas and exploring alongside them, families strengthen the connection between school, home and the wider world.`